In the year 1900 most Americans (95%) grew up rural and were familiar with collecting eggs, butchering meat, picking beans, milking cows, as well as catching salamanders and fireflies. Today less than 5% are this close to their food source and nature. Richard Louv introduced the term Nature Deficit Disorder in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods to describe our loss. What is the cost of this separation?

Yet, when asked to describe a significant spiritual experience, the vast majority of Americans will begin talking about a moment in nature, a stillness, a beauty, a curiosity, a presence. Nothing can compare to creation for drawing near to transcendent and ultimate reality.

Creation is God's living room

The Celtic Christians believed in "thin places", places where the physical and spiritual worlds have less of a separation. For over 50 years, visitors to Epworth have felt these 160 acres along the Rondout Creek was one of those special places.

Epworth has two faces. A preservation of wild beauty in 80 acres of northern hardwood forest along the river valley with an incredible array of inhabitants from bald eagles, foxes, skunks, turkeys, turtles, beaver, piliated woodpeckers, and many others.

Instructors

Pam Harris & Garrie Stevens bring a deep love for and commitment to the essential connection between faith and the natural world. They are United Methodist clergy who work as consultants for camping and retreat ministries across the country. They also develop and lead workshops and retreats in areas of practical spirituality, spiritual discernment, and worship. They enjoy camping, hiking, and photography.

Karen & Terry Cianci bring years of collegiate level teaching in biological and environmental sciences and 5 years as directors of Epworth. Among their favorite events at Epworth are the spring peepers, the woodcock flight dance, the nest building of the Baltimore Orioles, the June lightning bugs, the snapping turtle's annual egg-laying trip, the bald eagles, and the hellgrammites down by the ropes course.

Schedule

Friday 6 PM - Creation and Spirit begins with a gourmet dinner by Epworth's own resident chef. Following dinner, Celtic and Franciscan ideas of Spirit and Creation explored and practiced.

Saturday AM - nature trail exploration, geology, flora and fauna, morning worship, Our generation's challenge

Saturday PM - sustainability exploration, tours of gardens, sustainable house, & optional work projects Saturday 6 PM dinner, discussion and conclusion

Registration

Cost is $25 registration, $40 for 4 meals, $25 overnight stay

Please join us: send your contact information to info@epworthcenter.com or send $25 registration fee to:

Epworth Camp and Retreat Center
Creation and Spirituality
8 Epworth Lane
High Falls, NY 12440